Report: Libyan foreign minister says Gadhafi reign is over

LONDON — Moammar Gadhafi’s foreign minister in Tripoli says the Libyan leader’s grip on power is over, British broadcaster Channel 4 reported Wednesday.

Speaking from a home in the Libyan capital, Foreign Minister Abdul Ati al-Obeidi said it now appears that Gadhafi has exhausted all his options and his rule “was over.”

Gadhafi’s sprawling government compound in Tripoli was stormed by thousands of rebels on Tuesday.

Although it was once considered possible that Gadhafi would have safe passage out of Libya, al-Obeidi said it was now unlikely.

“Now I’m not in touch with anybody, so it looks like things have passed this kind of solution,” he said.

It was not clear exactly when the audio report from al-Obeidi was recorded, but Channel 4 said it came after Gadhafi’s speech on Tuesday night. The 72-year-old foreign minister he had no fears for his safety.

“I think (the rebels) have a good idea about me, they know me,” he said. “I do not think they will harm me or my family.”